Why Would iOS to Android App Migration Be a Profitable Proposition?

It is a common dilemma for app developers – which mobile OS should you target. Do you develop Android and iOS apps in parallel? Do you first release an iOS app and then switch to Android. Or do you simply cast a wide net and go for Android app development?

Looking at multiple aspects like monetization of apps on the app stores, development ease, security factors etc., it may seem viable to start off with iOS apps. However, it is crucial to factor in your target market. So if your key market has a bigger share of Android phones then it makes total business sense to first start off with Android app production.

There is another way as we mentioned earlier – start with iOS and then migrate to Android. Once your iOS version starts to grow, you should set your sights on the Android market. In the western countries, Apple phones are used extensively than Android ones, and this is also the reason why many app developers opt for the Apple app store. But converting it to Android at a later stage will be beneficial to you. It will increase your customer base and encourage a wider reach.

Here we list a few reasons to convert your iOS app to Android

1. It is no secret that Google’s Android is the dominant mobile platform. Some entrepreneurs prefer iOS keeping in mind their target audience, but many opt for Android for the very reason. The point is that the geographical location of your target market plays a major role while deciding your app platform. India, Mexico, China, Brazil, etc. are dominated by Android and opting for the same is a better business decision. If you feel the need, you could convert iOS app to Android based on your target market’s preferences

2. The entrepreneurs looking to increase their customer base and market reach should opt for porting an iOS app to Android

3. Many believe that the process of developing apps for Android users is a complicated process, but Google has provided the developers with different UI layouts corresponding to different screen sizes which make their job all the easier allowing them the benefit of high-quality pixel integration. This permits the creation of various layouts with varying pixel quality generated out of a single code structure. Kills two birds with a single stone!

4. The cost of an Android app development is similar to that of an iOS development. The cost incurred would be directly proportional to the time required to build the app, keeping in mind the number of Android versions that will support the app. A proper study of the most popular Android versions among the target market can help you form a list of specific versions that will support the app and narrow down the time to be invested. This will positively impact the development cost overheads.

5. The Google Play Store doesn’t bring in as much revenue when compared to the app store of Apple, but the monetary scene is set to change in the near future. With the modified services of quality Android Operating Systems coming into focus, the revenue structure will undergo a positive transformation.

6. Google allows the developer to provide the users with in-app purchase feature as a means to attract them to try their app initially and then buy the full version later on. This, in turn, encourages the start-ups to source out Android as their launch pad so that they can ensure a secure customer base for their product.

7. Android provides developers with powerful tools which prove to be far more engaging and interactive as compared to iOS. To summarize them up:

• Android allows the creation of Widgets which brings your app into the direct line of vision of the users. It lures the customer by providing them brief but precise information regarding your app that only motivates them to know more about it.
• The push notifications give you lots of privacy. In iOS, any notification lights up your entire screen and may create certain unwanted situations. This feature of Android, thus, comes in as a great savior.
• An annoying feature of iOS is that pushing a simple home button will log you out of the app completely but in the case of Android, this is not the case. The user has a chance to go back to his original page and keep on surfing.

From the above points, one thing is clear that the Android platform is extremely beneficial for app developers and provides tremendous RoI to the businesses opting for android app development. To increase your customer base, it is recommended to start with iOS but simultaneously you should work on the Android code too. After having established a substantial customer base in iOS, you can move on to acquire Android customers by releasing an Android version of the app.